Do you commonly experience headaches in the morning?
If you wake up with headaches it may be an indication of a more complex dental health concern. Reoccurring headaches are often a symptom of issues such as bruxism, TMJ, or sleep apnea. If you commonly wake up with headaches, be sure to let your dentist know. Dr. Heather Adams may be able to provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan for the relief of chronic headaches that are being caused by an oral health-related problem.
Dr. Adams provides patients with a thorough bite analysis and jaw alignment evaluation at each routine dental exam. She examines the function of the bite to help find solutions for the relief of painful symptoms and to prevent damage to the teeth and gums. Our Rogers, AR dentist office uses a unique consultative approach to afford patients the highest quality of dental care possible. We offer solutions for complex dental concerns in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Headaches & Your Oral Health
If you suffer from chronic headaches, dental problems could be the cause. TMJ, bruxism, and sleep apnea are all common oral health issues that can cause symptoms linked to headaches. Learn more about these problems below:
TMJ- Jaw joint misalignment or malfunction causes a painful bite disorder known as a temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ occurs when the temporomandibular joint is misaligned. This causes added stress or tension to the complex system of muscles and nerves in the jaw.
Headaches are often associated with jaw joint stress. Treatment and TMJ therapy can address the alignment of the bite, and associated muscle tension to help alleviate painful frequent headaches.
Bruxism- Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common cause of morning headaches. Patients often grind their teeth unknowingly during sleep which causes stress on the jaw and facial muscles. If you habitually grind your teeth, you may also experience broken or worn teeth.
Teeth grinding can be prevented with the use of a custom oral sleep appliance. This appliance protects worn teeth and stops further damage and orofacial (mouth and face) pain.
Sleep Apnea- Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when soft tissues collapse at the back of the throat blocking the airway during sleep. These tissues cut off the normal oxygen flow and patients wake to gasp for air. This repeated oxygen deprivation can cause patients to experience headaches when they first wake up.
Patients with sleep apnea also experience chronic fatigue, and dry mouth, and may wake repeatedly during the night gasping for air. Oral sleep appliance therapy may allow patients to breathe normally while they sleep to prevent a range of related health issues. A custom-fit appliance opens up the airways so you can sleep safely and comfortably.
Headaches FAQs
Can a dentist help with headaches?
A dentist can help with treating headaches but it will depend on why you have them. There are many reasons for a person to experience headaches. If you suffer from TMJ problems, bruxism (teeth grinding), or sleep apnea, Dr. Adams can provide you with a custom-fit oral appliance to help control the symptoms stemming from these conditions.
What else can I do to relieve my headaches caused by dental problems?
While seeking dental treatment for these types of headaches is the best solution, there are also additional things you can do to ensure your comfort. Most of them include simply taking better care of your overall health. Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water, limit or eliminate alcohol use, exercise regularly, and improve your posture.
Who should I see first if I am experiencing frequent headaches?
You should first visit your primary care physician to make sure there is not a serious medical condition causing your headaches. Your PCP may run various tests to rule out major complications. Once this has been done, then we recommend visiting Dr. Adams for a full mouth assessment to see if teeth grinding or TMJ is to blame for your headaches.
Treat Headaches in Our Rogers, AR Office
Eliminate chronic headaches and pain. Call (479) 431-4212 or request an appointment with Dr. Adams using our online form. Your health is our top priority. If you ever have any questions regarding your specific symptoms or dental needs, let Dr. Adams know at your next consultation.